Client Success Stories

In recent article in Computer Weekly magazine the Ministry of Defence (MOD)  praised HP for work in developing the AMPA system.  (link to article below).

http://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240112660/HP-AMPA-supports-RAF-air-crews-in-Libya

Stories have become an undeniable force in modern marketing. Companies small and large recognize that putting real client’s success stories in the spotlight of their marketing campaigns is the most effective way to build trust. Why ?  Customers generally trust what others have to say and seeing client success allows customers to envision their own client’s success.   At the end of the day, it’s always the human connection that inspires people to take action.

Cactex Media partnered with HP to write and develop this story as a video case study.  That’s one of the deliverables we produce everyday for our clients.   Please look at some of them at the link below.

http://www.cactexmedia.com/portfolio.php

http://vimeo.com/14844294

Every day, your company goes the extra mile for clients.  Wouldn’t you like to share your stories too?

Behind the Scenes

According to Google trends, “behind the scenes” is a Google search term that’s use has been steadily growing since 2004.  I guess that should be no surprise.  In a way, most of reality programming is looking “behind the scenes.”  We want to know the details and we want to see the pictures.   From “The Deadliest Catch” and “Pawn Stars” to “Oprah’s Behind the Scenes” show on OWN, we seem to love to have a peek at things “up close and personal.”  (Here’s a tip of the hat to ABC Sports Olympic coverage from the 1970’s.)

At Cactex Media, we decided to take you “behind the scenes” and “up close and personal” to give you a little insider’s peek.  So, take a break and indulge your curious streak.  Watch our latest video.  The inside view of one of our favorite videos of the summer, the SHEEX performance sheets launch video.  

And please don’t forget to share it with all of your friends or visit the Cactex Media Facebook page and click “like it!”

New editing software: Final Cut Pro X

Last month, the video editors were buzzing as Apple introduced Final Cut Pro X, the latest version of its professional video editing software, at the NAB conference SuperMeet.   This new version replaces Final Cut Pro 7, which was introduced in 2009, and will be available for download via the Mac App Store sometime this month.

I’ve copied some of the key highlights one Apple blogger complied on-line: 

Link to Blog

Final Cut Pro X brings a number of new features (via TUAW) to the editing platform, including full 64-bit compatibility, and the ability to take advantage of the processing power of all cores of a Mac’s CPU, in addition to the GPU using Snow Leopard’s Grand Central Dispatch feature. This should improve rendering times, especially on more powerful machines like Mac Pros.

The new version of the app also sports a brand-new visual look, resolution-independent playback, and content analysis, which allows it to detect whether shots are close-ups, medium or wide-angle, identify people or groups, and more. The new recognition features feed into Smart Collections, which automatically groups different types of shots. It’s sort of like Faces and Places for iPhoto, but much more powerful and with video as well as stills.

Final Cut Pro X also features many new non-destructive editing tools, like primary audio and video that can’t be knocked out of sync accidentally, and secondary audio that can be locked to video if that’s what an editor requires. Final Cut also now seems to be able to detect primary and audio tracks: for example, when you have an actor wearing a microphone but also have the camera’s microphone working. The new Magnetic Timeline automatically moves audio out of the way when you move video, while the timeline automatically adjusts, which should make it easier to drop clips in later without worrying about screwing up timing later on.

All rendering is now handled in the background, too, without any interruption to your primary workflow. That alone will probably make a significant difference in the lives of many video editors. Apple didn’t reveal details regarding the rest of the Final Cut Studio suite, which includes apps like Color, Motion and Soundtrack Pro in addition to Final Cut Pro.

We’re excited about the future.  Research shows huge growth in on-line video viewing, social media is providing improved ad capabilities to target and customize advertizing efforts, editing software is improving to meet market demands and video marketing is poised to become a huge focus for marketing departments.  With these factors, audience’s expectations will also increase.  Videos will need to be unique, focused, content rich and up-to-the-minute.  It will not be “good enough” to just have video on your website; videos will be a key focus in how you communicate with your customers.   Contact us now and take advantage of these opportunities. 

Attached are screen shoots from Final Cut Pro X, links to additional information about the system and the latest market research for on-line video viewers. 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

http://www.macworld.com/article/159202/2011/04/final_cut_pro_x_blog.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZygcGod0QIc

The Best Stories to Tell

Recently, I was asked by one of my cleints how Cactex Media could create a video to explain their services and products.  This client does not have a widget in the factory, or an impressive store front.  Their solutions are complex.   They came to us with questions because they were unsure how to use video effectively to market their applications and services.

Technology services don’t stand alone.  They are complex because they must be integrated into existing systems before they can add value to a business.   It is this requirement to work with other “stuff” that contributes to this “complex” perception and difficulty in communicating their message effectively.   No company wants to take credit for a solution that might not be entirely their own.

Ultimately, you must show potential customers the results of successfully integrating your product into business environments.  And communicating the particular part of that success that your company can claim can be complicated.   This is where video can be most beneficial.  Video can “show” a client the bigger picture – and highlight the smaller role your solution provides. If you change your solution, or add capabilities, it can change and evolve, just like your complex products change and evolve.  It can even communicate to global audiences.

We can do this with words and pictures – animations and illustrations.  We can create a vision of the world for you.  Using our storytelling skills and our editing and graphic tools, Cactex Media can bring your companies story to life – no matter how complex or ethereal your services and products might be.     We can demonstrate the value your business brings to your clients and all you do for your customers to your video story – in ways you never dreamed.

Watch this video to see the vision behind the complex technology that fuels it.  It has been translated into multiple languages: http://vimeo.com/23601191

Cactex Media used a story of something as simple as a cup of coffee to illustrate the vision behind one of our client’s solutions.  Last week (put blog link here), I said I didn’t like to buy new technology for technology’s sake.   I still don’t but I do love technology and our team loves explaining our client’s solutions to their customers.

Helping our clients tell their story is our goal.  After all your stories are the best stories to tell.

I am not a person that likes technology for technology sake. I do like gadgets, however, that will simplify my life – as if that’s possible! I recently worked with a client’s marketing team to incorporate video content into their PR campaign. We linked our video to a QR (Quick Response) code on their product packaging.

Are you familiar with QR codes? They are the strange images that can be found on just about any medium such as clothing, business cards, websites, posters, billboards or any other printed literature.

You can create your own QR code from a number of free sites and link them to any content on the internet including specific video content.
To read the QR code from your mobile device, you’ll need:
• A mobile phone with a camera and internet access
• A QR reader application (free from your phone’s app store, examples include Red Laser or Kaywa)

Once you have the application, scan the image below. (You don’t have to print the QR code, it can be scanned right from your computer monitor.)

This took you directly to www.cactexmedia.com and more specifically, right to our latest video.

How does it help? This technology does more than keeping customers from having to type a URL. It’s also an opportunity to bring your clients targeted messaging in “real time.” You can change this content without changing your QR code, providing current information, without re-printing charges.

The client linked their QR code to our video. Why? Our client’s goal was to differentiate their product from their competitors at the point of sale. Our video messaging explained this differentiation in a concise and compelling way. It gave customers a clear understanding of the product, company and technology used to create it. And most importantly, it clearly explained to their consumers why their product was better than the one sitting on the shelf next to it.

As the popularity of smart phones continues to grow, market research predicts QR codes will grow as well. Directing your customers, using a QR code, to video content, is using technology in a smart and innovative way. Technology used to meet your sales and marketing goals in an affordable way.

So, the next time you hand your client a business card, show a client a presentation, print packaging or advertisements for your products, think about using this opportunity to really “speak” to your clients using QR codes and video.

Spring Cleaning!

This week we went to Colorado for a client shoot.  Just when our team was beginning to enjoy the spring weather here in Dallas, we packed our warm clothes for another blast of winter.  While we were there, it actually warmed up and we were able to enjoy a couple of the 300 days of sunshine that the Colorado Springs residents like to boast about.

 I’m back in Texas and now that spring is here, it’s time to open my windows and have fresh air throughout the house.   Spring cleaning always feels good after your done!

My cleaning doesn’t stop there, we “Spring Clean” around the office as well.  An easy starting point is to look at your web and video content.  So, with spring in the air and freshening up on our minds, here is a list of “Spring Cleaning” ideas for your video and marketing content.

1.  Get Social.  You can post video content to all social media sites.  Videos don’t live on DVD’s anymore.  Fact:  On average there are more than 400 tweets per minute containing a YouTube link.  Compelling storytelling, quality HD video and professional editing is the differentiator needed to get your video seen.

2.  Fresh Information.  Keep cutting edge information.  Always having new or re-designed information to create excitement about your products. It will keep customers coming back to your website and interested in your company and your services.

3.  Show Personality.  Show your clients who you are.  Videos can be case studies or client interviews, but they can also show your business and who you are as a company.  The sky is the limit, use inventive and imaginative ways to introduce your products, your company and yourself to clients every day.

4.  Quality Messaging.  Fact:  In one month, YouTube has 490 million unique users worldwide, who view an estimated 92 billion pages, spending approximately 2.9 billion hours on YouTube.  What will make your video stand out against the others?  Quality Messaging!  You have to provide video content that will make your products break through the noise.

Visit our website, become my friend on Facebook (Claire Cactexmedia) or follow me on twitter @cactexmeda, and see how our videos are making a difference for our client’s business.  Remember we could be doing this for you too!  And, I’ve posted pictures from Colorado on Facebook, go check them out. 

Fact Source:  10 fascinating facts that may surprise you (YouTube);  Mashable, Inc.

SHEEX, Wake up Ready!

I woke up this morning in my SHEEX – and I’m ready for anything!  SHEEX are bed sheets that are made out of performance athletic fabric.  My cotton sheets are a distant memory and they will be for you too when you learn more about SHEEX.  

Today is the launch of SHEEX performance sheets at Bed, Bath & Beyond.  The video that the Cactex Media team produced about SHEEX is posted to our website.  Please check it out on our website’s featured video!

 http://www.cactexmedia.com/home.php

Cactex Media really enjoyed working with the SHEEX team.   The company is owned by Susan Walvius and Michelle Marciniak, fantastic business women, who are gaining traction – and believers with this new product.  They chose Cactex Media to be their marketing partner because of our experience and storytelling skills.  Susan and Michelle plan to make SHEEX one of the most recognized brands in the country and Cactex Media will be there every step of way supporting that effort.

Our timeline was aggressive.  We delivered this SHEEX video in less than 2 months — from creative to completion.   Cactex took SHEEX on a creative journey starting with project conception, followed by scripting, storyboards, filming, production, editing, and ending with the nationwide distribution of 1,000 videos to every Bed, Bath & Beyond store in the US.  No small task, but Cactex Media remained focused, continuously communicated with the SHEEX team, understood their goals and provided exactly the video they needed.  It was delivered on time, on budget and included content that SHEEX can use in future marketing projects outside the scope of the initial project.

We want to support our client’s business.  And at the end of the day – their success is our success too.  Congratulations to Susan and Michelle for this launch and for letting us be part of that journey.

Now Showing — Cactex Media

Lights, Camera, Action! We’re excited to launch our first official blog for the Cactex Media team. We are video producers, developers, editors, writers, and marketing experts who offer different perspectives but share the same passion for multi-media marketing. We hope this blog provides you with a deeper insight into our work and who we are, and what we can do to change the way your company uses video and multi-media to drive sales.  We’re very excited to be out here talking to you!

So, without further adieu, I would like to introduce you to the team:

Claire Chiappetta (Principal / Executive Producer) has 20 years experience working in video production for network television, and creating marketing and sales focused multi-media tools for Fortune 500 companies around the world.  “When I created Cactex Media, I had a goal, to take complex stories and ideas, and use them to create visually compelling videos that incite action from a viewer.” 

Linda Dippel (Producer) is a national and international award-winning producer.  Throughout her career, Linda has learned to create a relaxed, fun and professional atmosphere to capture the very best of whomever and whatever is in front of the camera. “The best work is not done in a vacuum,” she explains, talking about how she gets the best out of every shoot, “but rather a team effort where everyone brings their skills to the project.”

Chery Getty (Producer) is an Emmy winning producer with a background in journalism and a passion for storytelling. “Storytelling is like DNA” she says “through stories people can identify with one another, they are a powerful way to get ideas out and exchange experiences in the world today”. 

Philip Lamb (Artist) has worked in the Dallas area for 30 years.  His background ranges from television and feature films to fine art commissions.  Philip has also been involved in almost every aspect of theater production, including speech support, set design, and theatrical productions.  Philip says, “Today we are bombarded with imagery.  Designers help sort out gems from the rubble.  Everything that meets our eyes is designed to some extent.”

Kristin Wehe (Marketing Coordinator) with a finance background in information technology, she always kept the bottom line in focus, while working for a fortune 500 company.   Kristin managed complex sales pipeline and revenue information and worked as a consultant to help improve sales internationally.  “Accounting has always been a logical way for me to track sales teams goals.  It has been exciting to  work on multi-media sales tools that complement sales objectives to increase ROI in sales pursuits.”

Eric Williamson (Editor) has spent over 25 years helping clients realize their goals in corporate videos, commercials, television series and documentaries.  His award winning productions are able to show a keen sense of human nature, even with the most complex stories. “When it comes to editing, technology is only the tool.  It’s the skill and knowledge of the editor that can take a project from great to awesome.” Eric explains, “And I love what I do!” 

Leah Aparicio (Assistant Producer/Editor) is a recent graduate from the Art Institute of Dallas, she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Film Making and Video Production, to add to her two other Bachelor Degrees in Art and Theatre from Texas A&M.  “Integrity, honesty, and hard work are the foundation to building a successful production.”    

Laurie McShea (Accounting Coordinator) has both a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Science degree.  she has a diverse background including personnel and trade show management, teaching and accounting.  But it’s her love of teaching that is one of the reasons she enjoys working in the media industry so much.  Laurie explains,  “I know it has been said many times, but a picture really is worth a thousand words … what makes videos unique is their ability teach a viewer while taking them on a visual story — it’s exciting to see  through visual storytelling and narrative is an exciting.”

Our hope is that this blog will give you a more in-depth look at the inner workings and thinking of the people working at Cactex Media. We will cover topics ranging from the latest and greatest video marketing trends and statistics, to discussing what Cactex Media is doing for our clients right now, and sharing with you our passion and unique business practices.  Our goal is to continually create compelling marketing videos that we know you’ll find interesting and useful for your business.  But don’t just believe us, go and check out some of the videos that we have already created for our clients — see how they are benefiting from our expertise.

Thanks so much for visiting our blog. Enjoy and let us know what you think!

www.cactexmedia.com

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